African Malaria Expert Abdoulaye Djimdé Appointed to UN Scientific Advisory Board

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Abdoulaye Djimdé, a globally recognised malaria researcher from Mali, has been appointed to the United Nations Secretary‑General’s Scientific Advisory Board.

His appointment brings an important African perspective to a global body that provides independent scientific advice on science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development.

The leading expert in malaria genomics and drug resistance, Professor Djimdé heads the Parasites & Microbes Research & Training Center in Mali.

His research has helped identify genetic markers that signal when malaria parasites develop resistance to chloroquine discoveries that informed malaria treatment policies across Africa and strengthened global efforts to manage drug-resistant malaria.

Malaria remains one of Africa’s most pressing public health challenges. Understanding how the disease responds to treatment is essential for saving lives.

Professor Djimdé’s expertise in infectious diseases, genomic surveillance, and research capacity strengthening will bring critical insights from the African research ecosystem into global scientific deliberations at a time when the world faces increasingly complex health and development challenges.

Professor Djimdé is also a research leader supported through the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science in Africa (DELTAS Africa) initiative and a recipient of the Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellowship.

These programmes aim to strengthen African scientific leadership and expand the role of African researchers in global science and policy conversations.

“This appointment offers an important opportunity to bring African scientific perspectives into global conversations that shape how we respond to major health and development challenges,” said Professor Djimdé.

“Scientific knowledge is strongest when it reflects diverse perspectives, and I look forward to contributing African experience and expertise to conversations shaping the future of global health and development.”

His appointment also highlights the growing role of African scientists in science diplomacy, where research expertise informs international cooperation and global decision-making.

According to Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer at the Science for Africa Foundation says Science diplomacy plays an increasingly pivotal role in addressing global challenges that cut across borders.

The inclusion of African scientists in high-level advisory platforms such as the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board ensures that global health and development solutions are shaped by the scientific expertise, knowledge, priorities, and innovations emerging from the continent.

Across Africa, growing investments in research leadership and scientific capacity are enabling more African scientists to contribute to global knowledge systems and policy processes.

Professor Djimdé’s appointment reflects this expanding influence and highlights the importance of ensuring that African scientific perspectives help shape international responses to health and sustainable development challenges.

The Science for Africa Foundation is a pan-African, non-profit public charity that supports, strengthens, and promotes science and innovation across the continent.

The foundation funds research and innovation, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and builds environments where African scientists can thrive and produce high-quality, locally relevant knowledge.